Despite his star power, Trae Young’s contract talks are dragging — and that might be part of the plan.
The Atlanta Hawks may have a franchise star in Trae Young, but the Trae Young contract extension situation is far from settled — and according to NBA insider Bobby Marks, it might stay that way for a while.
Speaking on NBA on ESPN, Marks described the delay as a strategic move by both sides. “From Trae Young’s perspective, you’re looking at this Atlanta team that’s projected to finish fourth per ESPN Bet in the Eastern Conference,” Marks said. “And you’re saying, ‘Wait a minute, I’m looking at the market. We’ve got potentially 10 teams… Am I willing to commit long term if I’m not liking where the price is right now?’ So I think this is going to be a slow play.”
That phrase — slow play — sums up Atlanta’s approach. Despite Young’s seven years with the team, four All-Star selections, and a memorable run to the Conference Finals in 2021, the franchise seems reluctant to jump into a new max deal just yet.
And here’s the thing: they might have reason to wait.
Atlanta has retooled its roster this offseason, adding Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. It’s a lineup that, on paper, could push for real success in the East — something that might influence both Young’s interest in staying and the front office’s urgency to commit.
Marks added, “From Atlanta’s perspective… let’s see how this roster fits before we’re willing to commit long term to Trae Young.”
The Trae Young contract extension talks may pick up later this year, but with two seasons left on his current deal (the second being a player option), the Hawks aren’t exactly racing the clock — yet.
This season could be the litmus test. Either the Hawks click — or the future gets even more uncertain.